ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN, INC.
2075 Byberry Road Suite 102 Bensalem, PA 19020 215-244-4014
PARENT HANDBOOK
2013 – 2016 Edition
B.A.S.E. PHONE NUMBERS
BASE Office
215-244-4014
Belmont Hills BASE
267-968-4429
Cornwells BASE
267-968-4413
Benjamin Rush BASE
267-968-4430
Russell Struble BASE
267-968-4405
Valley BASE
267-968-4460
INTRODUCTION AND MISSION STATEMENT
B.A.S.E. (Before and After School Explorers) is the name of the child care program for
elementary school age children administered by the Enrichment Workshop for Children, Inc., a
private corporation. All programs are licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public
Welfare. In addition, we participate in Keystone STARS, a program improvement system, and
we are proud to report that we are designated as STAR FOUR programs (the highest level
possible) at all five sites
Our mission is to provide excellent and affordable programs for children that not only
support the health, safety, and integrity of the child and family, but also offers children
opportunities for social growth, physical adventure, and enrichment activities that are
developmentally appropriate.
MISSION, VISION AND GOALS
B.A.S.E. feels that children need to have large amounts of unhurried time to think about,
select, and implement their own projects. We feel they need leisurely opportunities to establish
warm relationships with others, both children and adults. They need lots of chances to practice
their decision making skills, as well. The MISSION of B.A.S.E. is to help children grow into self
confident, productive, happy people. To meet these goals, B.A.S.E needs to:
 have a warm, safe, inviting environment
 offer a wide variety of types of activities including science, crafts, cooking, games,
homework and snacks
 have opportunities for imaginary and physical adventure
 encourage development of friendly attachments with adults and children
 provide large periods of time for self directed activity
 encourage good decision making, and learning from mistakes
Our VISON: At BASE, we are good friends and good citizens.
1
AVAILABILITY OF SUBSIDIES
Although BASE does not offer subsidies itself, it can support parents by providing the
necessary paperwork and assistance. Possible subsidies include APPLE CHILD CARE (215-3481283), from the Department of Public Welfare (215-781-3300), or from your employer. We
urge anyone in need to contact all of these sources to see if you are eligible.
BASE FACTS
Hours of Operation
Extended and
Holiday Programs
Cost
Forms Needed
7:00 – 9:00 AM and school dismissal until 6:00 PM. We
are open Monday through Friday. We go by “school clock
time.” Please adjust your watch/schedule accordingly. Please do not
bring your child before 7:00 AM or pick them up after 6:00 PM.
BASE offers full day programs at one elementary school if
it is available to us. We are open at ALL BASEs if there is a late
opening or early dismissal. Please see the year’s schedule for
details. There is an additional cost for full days, early dismissals
and late openings.
Please refer to this year’s Financial Agreement for tuition and fees.
Each child must provide a full physical (signed by their doctor or
LNP), Emergency Form, and Financial Agreement. This paperwork
must be done in person at our office. If a current physical is not
received within 30 days of enrollment, your child will be denied
admission to BASE until the form is received. Physicals are good
until 6th grade.
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
All children who can benefit from BASE’s programs are welcome to join. BASE is a large
group program, with a 1:12 ratio, offers many choices and is set in a large, noisy cafeteria. It
may not be the best setting for some children. Decisions to enroll children with special needs
are decided on an individual basis with each parent. All accommodations possible within the
scope of our normal program will be made. BASE feels that children of all abilities contribute to
the richness of the BASE experience, and we look forward to working with a variety of children.
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
B.A.S.E. enrolls children on a first come, first served basis, up to the capacity of each
program.
In accordance with applicable Federal and State civil rights laws, you and your children,
as clients of this facility, have the right to be provided the services of this facility without
regard to your race, color, religious creed, handicap, national origin, or sex. B.A.S.E. does not
discriminate based upon any of these factors.
To file a complaint of discrimination if you feel you have been discriminated against
2
because of one or more of the above items, contact one of the following:
EWC, Inc. 2075 Byberry Road Suite 102 Bensalem, PA 19020 215-244-4014
Department of Public Welfare
Bureau of Equal Opportunity
Room 223, Health and Welfare Bldg
PO Box 2675
Harrisburg, PA 17105
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Harrisburg Regional Office
Riverfront Office Center
1101 S. Front St., 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104
US Dept. of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
Suite 372, Public Ledger Bldg
150 South Independence Mall West
Philadelphia, PA 19106-9111
DPW/Bureau of Equal Opportunity
Southeastern Regional Office
Suite 5034, 801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
ACTIVITIES AT BASE
BASE activities include some or all of the following every day:
Inside games (gym)
Outside games
Board games, card games
Theme related activities
Cooking
Science
Crafts
Housekeeping area
Reading, being read to
Snack
Diversity activities
Art table
Homework (see separate policy)
Computer / Wii
and more!
Although we make an effort to keep everyone clean at BASE, we do encourage children to
play hard physically both inside and out. Children may bring a change of clothes if they like.
Children should wear or bring sneakers every day since street shoes are not allowed in the gym.
On rainy, cold or snowy days, please send appropriate coats, hats, boots and gloves.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES, CAMERAS, CELL PHONES, SCREEN TIME POLICY
Children who bring electronics from home are advised to have every individual piece labeled.
They may only play with the toys on designated days at designated times. The children are
responsible for the safety and well being of their own toy - BASE and BASE staff are not
responsible if a toy or device is lost, broken or stolen.
1. All devices must be used in specified area inside or outside. (Children cannot walk around
plugged in.)
2. Screen time limit is fifteen (15) minutes morning or afternoon. This includes personal
devices, computer, and Kindle. Fifteen minute total, not per device.
3. No texting, picture taking, web use, phone calls, facebooking, etc.
4. No videos or pictures may be taken or posted with any type of device.
5. Phone calls to parents may be made on BASE phones, after permission is given.
6. Staff may look at a child’s device and check type of activity at any time. They may
confiscate a device being used improperly.
3
Consequence: If a child does not comply with our guidelines, they may not bring personal device
to BASE for 5 days (or if they must bring it, they will give it to the staff member to hold until
they go home). If this consequence is not followed, child will be suspended from BASE.
TOYS FROM HOME
Children may bring toys from home unless the school principal has banned a specific item
from the building, or our staff has determined that there is a problem with them. Your child
may be asked to share the toy on a limited basis or to show it to the entire group if asked.
Please label everything that is sent in. Toys that are brought to a group situation may get dirty,
broken or lost. BASE is not responsible if that happens.
SUPERVISION POLICIES
Our staff/child ratios are 1:12 or better. Each staff member is responsible for the
children in their area at any given time, and will give their permission when a child leaves that
area to travel to a different supervised BASE area. Each site has an overall Head Staff person,
and they are assisted by Assistant Staff. On site staff are supervised by Directors.
HOMEWORK POLICY
BASE is not a tutoring program, which would require a much different staff/child ratio
and higher cost. We do provide students with paper, pencils and the opportunity to work on
homework. If you, the parents, want your child to work on homework at BASE on a specific
night or many nights, please speak to the staff about this. We can make sure your child begins
the work, we can answer questions, and offer limited assistance. We cannot assure that they
complete the work, or sign off on it.
Since the major goal of BASE is facilitating the social development of your child, we urge
you to allow your child ample time to play, particularly with their peers. BASE can help your
child academically by helping them grow as a complete person.
CHILD GUIDANCE AND DISCIPLINE
Children are entitled to and thrive on a pleasant and harmonious environment. BASE
cannot serve children who are chronically disruptive or violent.
Every attempt will be made to work with a child and his/her family to improve behavioral
problems to a tolerable level. Techniques used may include warnings, loss of privileges,
contracts, written and verbal communications, reminders of consequences, use of consequences
such as withdrawal of gym time, and others. With the approval of a Director, a child may be
suspended from BASE either temporarily or permanently due to their behavior.
A child who physically harms another child or adult, or who leaves a supervised BASE
area without permission may be immediately excluded from BASE.
4
INVITATION TO PARENTS/ PARENT PARTICIPATION
Parents are invited to visit BASE at any time. We welcome your presence in our program.
We do ask that you refrain from inappropriate comments and actions towards your own or other
children. If you observe a problem, please bring it to the staff’s attention so they can take care
of it.
BASE has several “Parent Events” each year. These are special times where we offer
activities you can share with your child, their friends, and the staff. It is our hope that these
parent events will provide you with an opportunity to meet the people your child hangs out with,
and create a special memory with your child. Watch for these events – they are really fun!
ORIENTATION TO THE BASE PROGRAM FOR NEW PARENTS
If this Handbook does not answer your questions, please feel free to speak with the
staff at your child’s BASE, or with our staff at the office. We really want you to understand
what we do, the level of professionalism of our staff, and your part in our program. Please feel
free to offer constructive comments to us! We are constantly striving for improvement!
BASE/PARENT COMMUNICATION
Each BASE site has a cellular telephone. The phone is only turned on between 7:00 &
9:00 AM and 3:00 & 6:00 PM. Please leave a message at other times.
Each BASE site has a Parent Information area near the Sign In/Sign Out area. This
includes information about activities and snacks, upcoming events, our DPW license, the
regulations under which we operate, safety information, and more. Please take a moment to
read it periodically.
Also please feel free to speak with our staff at your child’s school, or to call the office.
We are here for you and your children!
Another opportunity for communication is our monthly newsletter which is attached to
your receipt and tuition bill. Please read it!
Periodically we do Parent Surveys. This is an excellent chance for your have input into
our policies and procedures. Between surveys, feel free to call our Director if you have
concerns or comments.
SAFETY POLICIES
BASE has the following policies in place to keep your child safe.
 You must walk your child in and out, and sign in/out EVERY DAY. Your BASE staff will
explain the procedure to you. Failure to do so may result in suspension from BASE.
 You must indicate the following week’s attendance on the attendance sheets at BASE as
required. Your BASE staff will explain the procedure to you. Failure to do so may result
in suspension from BASE.
5
 You must communicate changes in your child’s schedule to the staff at your child’s BASE.
Please call them on the cell phone and leave a message if necessary.
 We will request picture identification from people not known to our staff, but who are
listed as approved pickup people on our Emergency Information Form. If someone comes
to pick up your child who is not listed on the forms, we will not permit your child to go
with them until we have contacted you for permission.
 We are not able to provide sick child care. If your child comes to BASE sick or becomes
sick during BASE time, we will call you to come pick up your child. If you do not arrive in
a reasonable amount of time, we will bill you for a minimum of $15 to cover the additional
care your child has received.
 BASE will not administer medicine except under the following circumstances:
 During a full day program, or
 In emergency situations (Epi-Pen, asthma inhalers, for instance)
 If you need an epi-pen or inhaler to be kept at BASE, or if your child carries one, please
contact our office for instructions. Medication will only be administered if you provide
1.) the medication in its original container with directions printed on the label, and 2)
written consent and instructions, signed by you on our forms.
 Our program closes at 6:00 PM. Our staff have other commitments after that time, and
children worry if their parent is late. Please make sure you call and speak with a staff
member if you know you will be late. Our Late Pickup Fee is $15 per 15 minutes or part
thereof, starting at 6:00 (even if you have called). This must be paid directly to the
staff member who stayed with your child within three days. If you do not pay the staff
member, we will bill you directly and add a handling fee of $10.
 If your child is still under our care at 7:00 PM and we have had no contact with you, we
will call the local police to take custody of your child. This may not apply if we have had
direct contact with the parent.
PARENTS NOT COMPLYING WITH ANY OF THE ABOVE SAFETY REGULATIONS WILL
BE REMINDED, AND IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO COMPLY, WE MAY EXCLUDE YOUR
CHILD FROM BASE.
6
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AT B.A.S.E.
(ALSO SEE THE BASE EMERGENCY PLAN POSTED AT B.A.S.E.)
Emergency Evacuation
If a fire or other emergency situation arises that calls for evacuation of the building, we will
evacuate the building and take the children via school buses to a Middle School building. We will
leave a note telling you where we have gone, and also call you from the middle school once we
have arrived. A message will also be put on our phone answering system (215-244-4014) and our
web site if possible.
Non-emergency Evacuation
If we need to evacuate the building due to lack of water, lack of electricity or other reason, we
will call parents to pick up their children immediately.
Medical Emergency
If your child is injured or becomes ill at BASE, our staff will follow these procedures:
 If the injury is treated with ice, Band-Aids or hugs, we will notify you with a “BooBoo
Report”
 If we believe the injury might need medical attention, but is not immediately threatening,
we will administer first aid and call you to transport your child to the doctor. A written
report will be made. If your child becomes ill at BASE, we will call you.
 If your child has a serious injury or illness, we will call for an ambulance and call you. A
staff member will accompany your child to the hospital and wait until you arrive. A
written report will be made.
Parent Abusive to Child
If our staff witness or suspect child abuse, they are obligated by law to report this to the
Department of Public Welfare using the ChildLine system. This includes a parent who drives a
child while under the influence of alcohol, or is otherwise impaired, including impairment from
legal prescription drugs.
Shelter-In-Place
If BASE is directed to by emergency authorities, they can shelter-in-place inside the school for
one to three days. BASE has supplies to assist in this. Please refer to the BASE Emergency
Plan posted at BASE for more details.
Safety of our Staff
Our staff work hard at their chosen profession, and seek to treat you, the parents, in a
fair and professional manner. If you are dissatisfied with a staff person’s performance or
behavior, please communicate that to them in a calm, goal-oriented way. If you are still not
satisfied, please call a BASE Director to report your dissatisfaction.
If a parent abuses a staff member (for instance, yells, threatens or is physically
aggressive), our Directors will call the parent and require them to meet with us at our office in
7
order to resolve the situation. Your child would be suspended from BASE until this meeting
takes place. This is a safety measure for our staff. A staff member also has the option to call
the police if they feel it is necessary.
PLEASE NOTE THAT BASE STAFF ARE NOT PERMITTED TO TAKE CHILDREN TO
OR FROM BASE, EVEN AT THE REQUEST OF PARENTS.
SNACKS
Snacks are provided each morning and afternoon. AM snacks always include cereal, 100%
fruit juice, and 2% milk. PM snacks always include peanut butter, bread or crackers, fruit or
vegetables, and 10% fruit drink. Snacks are offered for a specific time period, and once they
are done they will not be brought out again. We also offer cooking projects, and children can
eat what they have made. On full day programs, children must bring their own lunch. Children
with food allergies may send in their own snack, which we will keep and serve appropriately.
Children may not bring or consume coffee or coffee products at BASE.
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:00
7:00 – 7:45
7:30 – 8:30
8:00 – 8:45
8:40 – 8:50
8:50 – 9:00
Staff arrive, begin to set up
Children arrive, choice of many activities available
In addition, breakfast snack is available
In addition, teacher-led activity is available
Clean up
Group Meeting
3:00
3:24 – 3:43
3:45 – 3:55
3:55 – 4:30
4:30 – 5:30
5:30 – 6:00
Staff arrive, begin set up
Children arrive, are checked in, have choice of activities
Group Meeting
Variety of activities offered, including snack
Outside play and teacher-led activity also available
Some activities put away, gradual cleanup
TRANSPORTATION / FIELD TRIPS
No field trips are offered during the school year. Transportation in case of a school
emergency (such as fire or water emergency, for instance) would be provided on school district
buses. Staff do not transport children. Transportation for a medical emergency would be by
the parent or by ambulance.
8
SNOW DAYS / LATE OPENINGS/ EARLY DISMISSALS
If school is cancelled due to snow, BASE is cancelled since the schools are not available
for our use. You will not receive a refund if this occurs since we will pay the staff for their day.
If school opens late due to a snow or weather situation, BASE OPENS AT 8:00 AM.
If schools close early due to weather, BASE IS OPEN FROM DISMISSAL TIME AND
WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR TWO HOURS FROM DISMISSAL TIME. The staff at your BASE
site will call to inform you of the early dismissal and ask you to pick up your child early.
PARENTS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
Staff are to make every attempt to keep a child from entering the care of someone who
seems to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or who seems to be impaired in any way.
Child abuse charges can be brought against a parent who places their child in “imminent danger,”
including driving while impaired. Staff will call police to give the child and parent a ride home if
necessary. This includes a parent who is under the influence of legal prescription drugs that
impair them.
If a child is removed from BASE by a parent who seems impaired, staff are to copy the
license plate number if possible and call police with the information, and report them to
ChildLine for child abuse.
PARENT GRIEVANCE PROCESS
Parents who are unhappy with any aspect of BASE have the right to pursue their
grievance in a civil, goal-oriented way. Parents should contact the Executive Director with a
question, issue, concern or suggestion if they are not satisfied with the answer you receive at
the local school level. We will do our best to resolve a problem to the benefit of all involved.
Ultimately, the Executive Director decides on how our policies are applied. Decisions are based
upon the safety of all students, families and staff, and also upon best practices for children.
Threats to sue EWC, report EWC to a higher authority, or other threats indicate a deep
seated dissatisfaction with EWC, and would create an inability to work together on behalf of
your child. Those who threaten EWC may be recommended to enroll their child elsewhere.
Thank you for being a part of BASE. We look forward to being an
important part of your child’s life!
9
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
GET HELP PAYING FOR CHILD CARE WITH APPLE ! !
You may be eligible for subsidized child care through Apple Child Care. Call 1-800-371-2109.
CHIP - HEALTH INSURANCE FOR YOUR CHILDREN ! !
Call 1-800-822-2447 for information on easy, affordable health care protection for your family.
PENNSYLVANIA TAX FORGIVENESS PROGRAM
Depending on your income and family size, you may qualify for a refund or reduction of your
Pennsylvania income tax liability with the state’s Tax Forgiveness program.
Retired persons and individuals that have low income and did not have PA tax withheld may have
their PA tax liabilities forgiven.
For example, a family of four (couple with two dependent children) can earn up to $34,250 and qualify for
Tax Forgiveness, and a single-parent, two-child family with income of up to $27,750 can also qualify for
Tax Forgiveness. Nearly one in five households qualify for Tax Forgiveness. See if you qualify for all or
part of Tax Forgiveness when you file your state income tax return. Simply file your state income tax
return and include PA Schedule SP. (This information was accurate as of May, 2013)
PAY LESS FEDERAL TAX WITH THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)
EITC is for those who work but do not earn high incomes. If you qualify you could pay less federal taxes,
or possibly pay no taxes or even get a refund. See www.irs.gov/eitc or speak to your tax professional to
see if you qualify.
You may qualify if . . . you earned less than $$42,130 and have one qualifying child OR you earned less
than 47,162$ and have more than one qualifying child. (Check web site for accurate, up to date info.)
LOCAL HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCIES
Here is a short list of local agencies available to help those who need them. Please feel free to call the
BASE office for other referrals, or for help with any of these agencies.
Bucks County Assistance Office
215-781-3300
Bucks County Emergency Services
215-340-8700
Emergency Relief Association
215-547-1676
A Woman’s Place (shelter from abuse)
215-781-9134 or 800-220-8116 (24 hour hotline)
Childline and Abuse Registry
800-932-0313
Bucks County Department of Health
215-345-3318
Alcoholics Anonymous
215-923-7900 or www.aa.org
Drug and Alcohol Commission
215-773-9313
Latino Leadership Alliance
215-788-4452
Big Sister Big Brother
215-343-8260
Bucks County Housing Authority
215-345-3840
BC Dept of Mental Health/Mental Retardation
800-499-7455
Homeless Hotline
800-801-4434
Bucks County Learning Disability Association
888-775-3272
10